Statement by India on Agenda Item 8: General Debate on Follow-up and Implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action at the 45^th Session of the Human Rights Council (14 September – 07 October 2020) delivered by Mr. Vimarsh Aryan, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India [Geneva, 01 October 2020]

Madam President,

The universality of human rights is at the core of VDPA that guides us to treat all rights on equal footing with the same emphasis. It is important not to prioritize one set of rights over the others in the agenda of the Council as this would lead to erosion of trust, thereby undermining the very basis for which it was established.

2. The Right to Development deserves its due share along with other human rights as recognized in the VDPA. We are concerned that allocation of funding towards the promotion of the right to development is not along the expected level and we emphasize that more resources should be allocated on this.

3. The interdependence and the mutually re-enforcing nature of democracy, development and human rights seems to be getting sidelined in the pursuit of objectives that are overtly political in nature. This calls for utmost caution as increasingly contentious and acrimonious dialogue in the Council poses severe challenge to its effective and efficient functioning in particular in these difficult times.

4. The main reason for divergence on priorities and concerns on issues of human rights by member states is not hard to find. Different levels of development, social and cultural contexts and governance systems among the member states have led to disagreements not only on the prioritization but also in the interpretation of various rights. The relative prioritisation of the individual vs State; national sovereignty vs international norms; universal vs culture-specific approach evokes differing opinions.

5. The COVID 19 pandemic has imposed huge socio-economic burden on developing countries which is accentuated by the exiting deep inequities and inequalities in the global system. The need to create an equitable and fair global environment to facilitate developing countries in coping up with the situation is highly felt under the current circumstances. The developing countries need all necessary assistance and means to ensure welfare and rights for their peoples.

6. India reaffirms its view that a more inclusive, participatory and positive approach through dialogue and capacity building is the best way to promote and protect human rights. Constraints on national capacities to implement certain rights should be duly recognized and the role of the Council in providing technical assistance and capacity building should not be limited only to a few situations.

7. India's approach to human rights continues to evolve as more rights become justiciable and through the process of progressive interpretation of laws by the judiciary. India remains committed to bring in a pluralistic, moderate and balanced perspective to help bridge multiple divides in the human rights discourse.

Thank you, Madam President.

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